Noctua today presented its new NH-L9i and NH-L9a low profile CPU coolers for Intel and AMD. At a super-low profile of only 37mm, the NH-L9 coolers are ideal for extremely slim cases and with footprints tailored to the respective socket keep-out zones, they provide full compatibility with tall RAM modules and VGA cards on mini-ITX mainboards. Topped off with the new NF-A9x14 PWM premium fan, the NH-L9 coolers fuse everything users have come to expect from Noctua's larger coolers into a super-compact package for slim HTPC systems.

To me it looks like these coolers maintain the same distance from the motherboard PCB as Intel reference cooler. There are no tall component inside the "square" of the Intel socket, or the "rectangle" of AMD sockets, so these coolers should be OK.

Sold! I like it.... Although, if they price it outrageously...the Xigmatek Praeton with a replacement Scythe 100x12mm fan is perfect for most uses and it will fit on all mini-itx motherboards with a pci-e slot and be dead silent.

My Praeton/Scythe set ups usually run about 900 to 950 RPM's and from viewing the video...easily fit inside the same footprint.

Caution: The NH-L9i is a highly-compact low-profile quiet cooler designed for use in small form factor cases and HTPC environments. While it provides first rate performance in its class, it is not suitable for overclocking and should be used with care on CPUs with more than 65W TDP (Thermal Design Power). Please consult our TDP guidelines to find out whether the NH-L9i is recommended for your CPU.

Caution: The NH-L9i is a highly-compact low-profile quiet cooler designed for use in small form factor cases and HTPC environments. While it provides first rate performance in its class, it is not suitable for overclocking and should be used with care on CPUs with more than 65W TDP (Thermal Design Power). Please consult our TDP guidelines to find out whether the NH-L9i is recommended for your CPU.

I am really digging all these low-profile coolers they are putting out. While the others are starting to provide alternatives for 3u-4u size chassis (5.1 to 7 inches tall), they are steadily leading the charge into the smaller height (similar to server rack unit size 1u and 2u...less than ~90 and ~45mm or 1.75 and 3.5 inches tall).

Will it cool an ivy overclocked in any fashion? It might! Only one way to find out...request a test from noctua and TPU.

Getting closer, this race to practical smaller and smaller form-factor.